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Mr Thiyagarajah was found in his flat above MK Food & Wine in Bedford

The money had been removed from the victim's locked bedroom, which he also used as an office, and was found in a drawer in Mr Mohan-Raj's bedroom.

'Challenged by Appa'

"The crown say the defendant took the money from Appa's room and concealed it in the other bedroom," Mr Speak told the court.

"At some point during the process he had been disturbed or challenged by Appa about the money not being where it should be. The assault took place on Appa, which proved fatal," he said.

The jury was told that the defendant called for an ambulance, telling the paramedic that his boss had fallen from upstairs and hurt himself.

On seeing the severity of the injuries, it was alleged that the paramedic had his doubts about what he had been told and called for the police.

Mr Speak said: "It is likely that the defence will be that he acted in self defence. The defendant has pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary, namely the burglary of Appa's bedroom where he had no right to be."